The National Hurricane Center has reported that Tropical Storm Ian is building in the Caribbean and is now projected to reach the United States on Thursday.
According to the Washington Examiner, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis responded to the news last week by declaring a state of emergency.
Order activates National Guard troops and makes emergency funds available
“This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations,” DeSantis was quoted as saying in a statement put out by his office on Friday.
“We are coordinating with all state and local government partners to track potential impacts of this storm,” the governor went on to add.
The Examiner explained that DeSantis’ order will make emergency protective funds available as well as activate members of the Florida National Guard.
John Cangialosi works as a senior hurricane specialist with Miami’s National Hurricane Center, and he advised residents of the Sunshine State to exercise caution.
“Too soon to say if it’s going to be a southeast Florida problem or a central Florida problem or just the entire state,” Cangialosi remarked.
“So at this point really the right message for those living in Florida is that you have to watch forecasts and get ready and prepare yourself for potential impact from this tropical system,” he continued.
Hurricane Fiona visits devastation upon Newfoundland coastal community
The Examiner noted that DeSantis’ declaration came after Hurricane Fiona worked its way up the East Coast last week, inflicting damage as far north as Canada.
Fiona caused widespread power outages in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia on Saturday and the town of Channel-Port Aux Basques saw entire buildings get washed out to sea.
Brian Button serves as mayor of the Newfoundland community, and he told the Associated Press that residents have been instructed to evacuate.
Meanwhile, Port Aux Basques resident René J. Roy spoke of seeing “homes in the ocean” and “seeing rubble floating all over the place.” Roy told the news service, “It’s complete and utter destruction. There’s an apartment that is gone, that is literally just rubble. It’s quite terrifying.”